Chelsea consolidated their position in the top four of the Premier League table by inflicting a 2-0 defeat on neighbours Fulham to edge them closer to the division’s trapdoor.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring after 10 minutes by sliding the ball nonchalantly into the bottom corner and then repeated the trick shortly after half-time to double Chelsea’s lead.
The result means that Chelsea are six points clear of fifth-placed West Ham, who face Burnley on Monday night, while Fulham are now nine points adrift of Newcastle having played a game more.
Here are the five key performances from Chelsea’s win.
Kai Havertz
Another promising display to add to the collection for Chelsea’s club-record signing.
Tuchel evidently fancies Havertz as a centre forward and it is clear to see why given the manner in which he snaffled his opportunities at Stamford Bridge. The timing of his runs into the box and the execution of his finishes when he got there, were exemplary.
After managing a solitary goal and assist apiece in his opening 22 Premier League matches, Havertz now has three goals and an assist in his last three outings. Next season could be a big one for the young German.
The wiry 21-year-old can still look a little flimsy at times, but there is no doubt he is starting to acclimatise to English football.
Rating: 9/10
Mason Mount
This was another Chelsea victory that had Mount’s stardust sprinkled all over it, the versatile midfielder dictating the tempo for his side in Fulham’s half and adding an assist to his season tally.
It was a sensational one too. Mount majestically controlled a long ball over his shoulder, before slotting an inch-perfect pass through to Havertz to open the scoring.
Mount hurt his back after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge with Mario Lemina 20 minutes from time but managed to play on for five more minutes before being taken off as a precaution.
Rating: 8/10
Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy’s position as Chelsea’s No 1 appears less secure under Tuchel than it did during Frank Lampard’s tenure with Kepa Arrizabalaga featuring in back-to-back games last week.
The Senegalese is still first-choice and demonstrated why in the opening stages when making a fine stop to keep out Ademola Lookman’s fizzing shot down to his right.
While Mendy’s shot-stopping was solid, his distribution was less accomplished and it will be interesting to see whether that counts against him in the long run.
Rating: 6/10
Billy Gilmour
A surprise name on the Chelsea teamsheet given he hadn’t started a Premier League game under Tuchel previously.
Gilmour burst onto the scene by earning consecutive man-of-the-match awards in his first outings for the club last season and while this wasn’t quite as eye-catching, it was still a polished performance nonetheless.
The young Scot moved the ball accurately and purposefully completing 88 per cent of his passes.
Rating: 7/10
Timo Werner
Patrick Bamford and Jamie Vardy have missed more big chances this season than Timo Werner, but both players have largely escaped criticism due to their superior goal tallies to the German international.
Nevertheless, while Chelsea will have expected more goals from last summer’s big-money recruit, he is contributing in other ways for Tuchel’s side, principally by becoming a key creative force.
His perfectly weighted through ball to Havertz took him to 10 assists for the season and if he can supplement his chance creation with additional firepower, Chelsea will have some player on their hands.
Rating: 7/10
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